Jury Duty at 52-1 District Court

Being a Juror is a vital part of our justice system. It is the duty of each American citizen to serve jury duty when called. It is a responsibility that should be taken seriously. Just as you would want to have a fair and equitable jury for yourself or someone you love, every other citizen is entitled to the same. Your participation in our legal system as a juror is the cornerstone of our justice system.

The Oakland County Jury Commission chooses prospective jurors from random computer selection by driver's license number. The questionnaire that you previously filled out from this random selection is then forwarded to the proper jurisdiction. Prospective jurors are randomly selected from these questionnaires for jury duty.

Each prospective juror is chosen from a blind draw. Each prospective juror is then interviewed by the defense and prosecuting attorneys to determine if they will be chosen as a juror.

• Bring your summons with you
• Be on time
• Dress appropriately (no jeans or shorts)
• Arrange for your own child care during your jury term
• Arrange for your transportation to and from jury duty

The United States Constitution guarantees all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status, the right to trial by an impartial jury. Justice ultimately depends to a large measure upon the quality of the jurors who serve in our courts. That is why you are important.

As a juror, you must be fair and impartial. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. Your actions and decisions are the foundation of our judicial system.

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be a resident of Oakland County
• Be 18 years or older
• Be conversant with the English language
• Be physically and mentally able to carry out the functions of a juror. Temporary inability shall not be considered a disqualification
• Not have been paid as a juror, in a court of record, during the preceding 12 months
• Never have been convicted of a felony.

A person 70 years of age or older may claim exemption from jury service and shall be exempt upon making the request. All other persons are expected to be available to serve and should follow the reporting instructions on their summons.

Potential jurors are selected randomly from the State of Michigan Drivers License list or Personal Identification Cardholder list for individuals residing in Oakland County. The selection method is designed to produce a cross section of the community. Men and women over 18 years of age and from all walks of life have an equal opportunity to be called for jury service.

The summons/order to appear for jury service is mailed to jurors approximately one month before they are to appear for jury selection.

Yes. The summons to appear for jury service is an official court summons. If you do not respond, you could be held in contempt of court!

If you no longer live in the County of Oakland, you must submit a copy of the front and back of your driver's license showing your new address. You may submit through US mail or by fax at 248-305-6118.

The questionnaire should be returned with "DECEASED" written next to the person's name. Once we receive this information, he or she will be removed from our list.

Under normal circumstances, your term for service is only for the two days noted on your summons. However, you should be prepared for additional days of service if needed.

Jurors may be allowed a postponement of their jury service for good cause. To request a postponement, contact the Jury Clerk immediately at 248-305-6466. You may also submit a written request stating the specific reasons for your request. You will be contacted as soon as a decision is made.

Your employer can't fire, demote, or otherwise penalize you for missing work while performing jury service. Many employers will continue to pay your salary while you are in jury service. Contact your employer to find out what the policy is at your place of employment.

In order to be excused for medical reasons you must submit a letter from you doctor stating why you are unable to serve, for what period of time you are unable to serve or stating that you should be fully exempt from service.

Jurors must report to the Jury Check-in counter, inside our building at 48150 Grand River Avenue.

The average trial lasts approximately one day. However, some cases start and finish in two days.

On the first day of your jury service you should report to the court at 8:30am. At that time, you will be told the procedure for reporting for the rest of the term. If seated on a jury you will receive instructions from the Judge, who will be hearing the case, as to the hours he or she conducts court.

Yes. The parties in a case generally seek to settle their differences and avoid the time and expense of a trial. Sometimes the case is settled just moments before it is scheduled to begin. So, even though several cases are scheduled for a day, the court doesn't know until that morning how many will actually go to trial. Your time spent waiting is not wasted — your very presence in the courthouse encourages settlement.

For the first day of service, you will be paid $15.00 for a half day and $30.00 for a full day. For additional days, you will be paid $22.50 for a half day and $45.00 for a full day. You will also be paid round trip mileage of $.20 per mile. This amount is set by the state legislature and is considered reimbursement for your travel and other expenses.

Proof of jury service is prepared upon request. You will be given the opportunity to make your request on you first day of service.

Your appearance as a juror reflects the seriousness of the proceedings. The dress code is appropriate business attire.

The court will provide verbal orientation to inform and educate you about jury service and the trial process. You will also learn about your role as a juror and what you should and should not do while in the courthouse and serving on a jury.

It is very important that all jurors report each day they are told to report and that they be on time. Your absence may delay a trial. If you have an emergency (such as a sudden illness or a death in the family), call the court immediately.

Certainly! While efforts are made to reduce delay and avoid waiting time, you may have to wait awhile at the courthouse before you find out whether you have been chosen to actually sit on a jury. So bring a book or other quiet activity or get to know your fellow jurors. Phones/Tablets/Laptops are permitted.  Please note: no use of the device's recording capability is allowed in the Courthouse. Televisions and vending machines are located in the jury assembly room. Remember that as a juror, you are a vital part of the Court system. Part of the job of many court employees is to help make your jury service comfortable and convenient. Don't be afraid to ask them for help.